Help Save The Bees of Our World

You are starting to understand how important bees are to us all. Their role in the pollination of our food supply is crucial to human survival on this planet.
You also know that bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. The problem is critical, whether the cause is pesticides and herbicides, mites, viruses, or the mysterious Colony Collapse Disorder.
So what can the average person do? No matter who you are, where you live, or your age, there is plenty that you can do to help save our pollinating insect friends

1) One of the first things you can do is simply bee aware of bees and other insects around you. Avoid killing them out of fear. Bees generally want nothing to do with humans. They only really notice us when we accidentally get in their way, smell like a flower (or enemy), or attack them.

If you are standing in a bee’s flight path, one might accidentally fly right into you. If you are near a swarm or hive, bees may come to check you out. Swatting at bees makes them think you are attacking them. Avoid wild movements or running if you have a close encounter with bees. It is best to stay calm and slowly walk away. They will quickly lose interest as you retreat.

2) Avoid using pesticides and herbicides and encourage others to avoid using them as well. Even if they are not used while bees are active, these chemicals will get into the nectar and pollen of plants with deadly consequences. Even ‘natural’ chemicals like pyrethrins can have a deadly effect on bees.

Instead opt to use organic gardening techniques and buy organic food, which is grown without deadly chemicals, where possible.

3) Plant pollen- and nectar-rich plants and flowers in your yard, your garden... all over. Check with your local agriculture department to find which plants that bees like grow well in your area. Try to stick with native plants and wildflowers. You can also contact the agency that runs your local parks and encourage them to plant bee-friendly flora.

Some of the plants that bees like are flowering herbs, mints, flowering vegetables, sunflowers (and flowers that have a similar shape and appearance). Also, any of the species of Salvia, Allium, and plants of the Asteraceae family are good food sources for bees.

Try visiting http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/nativeplants.cfm for a list of plants native to your area.

4) Go wild and let your garden or lawn be a little messy, a bit overgrown. Bees love those dandelions in your lawn. Let some plants in your vegetable and herb gardens go to flower. Some overgrowth or ‘wilderness’ in your garden provides food and shelter for all kinds of bees.

5) Prove a water source for bees. Along with nectar and pollen, bees need water to drink, to cool their hive, to survive. Did you know that to cool the hive in summer, bees gather droplets of water and place them around the hive and then fan their wings to create a swamp cooler effect? Keep a birdbath full of water, or a bowl or pan set on or into the ground.

6) Protect swarms by calling a local authority or beekeeper to come move any swarms you see or know about. If you or someone you know has a hive of bees, do not exterminate them or try to drive them off. Call a beekeeper so the colony can be removed safely. If the bees are in an area out of the way, simply leave them be.

7) Buy local honey from local beekeepers. This not only helps support your local beekeeper, it can also be a health benefit. Local honey has local pollens in it, and eating it is said do wonders for your allergies.

8) Educate yourself about bees. They are fascinating and beautiful creatures. Learn more about them and then spread your knowledge. Educate others around you. Man is probably the bee’s biggest enemy, and helping people learn more about them dispels the fears and ignorance that leads to unnecessary destruction.

9) Provide a space for a beehive. Often beekeepers in urban areas do not have enough space for all their hives and would be grateful if you allowed them to put a hive or two in a corner of your yard or garden. The beekeeper does all the tending of bees and you get some of the honey and the most productive garden on the block.

10) Become a beekeeper yourself. Beekeeping is a rewarding hobby and we need more beekeepers everywhere. If you think you would like to be a beekeeper, look up your local beekeepers association and attend a meeting. They can help you get started.

These are just a few ways you can help save the bees. What other ways can you think of to help?